Sopore, Mar 16 (KNO): Repeated leopard sightings in parts of Sopore and Rafiabad in north Kashmir's Baramulla district have triggered panic among residents, with locals urging the wildlife department to speed up operations to capture the animal.
An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the sightings were reported over the past week. Three people were injured earlier at Bohripora area. The injured include a department employee and two civilians.
Since the incident, people have reported leopard movement from several areas. These include Seelo in Rafiabad, Model Town, Green Town and Haritar village in Sopore.
Wildlife Warden Intisaar Suhail told KNO that the department receives more than two sighting reports every day.
He said teams have been deployed in the affected areas, and night patrolling is underway. The department has also installed six cages at vulnerable locations to trap the animal.
“Some reports later proved to be rumours. Still, we are verifying every input,” he said, adding that the movement is mainly in the villages of Rafiabad, and it could involve one or two leopards.
Meanwhile, residents expressed fear over frequent sightings. Locals said children and elderly people avoid moving outside after evening hours. They urged the wildlife department to intensify efforts and capture the animal at the earliest to prevent further attacks—(KNO)